Augmented Reality Experience: Skelly AR
Creating an Engaging Augmented Reality Experience for Teaching the Skeletal System, 2019.
Team
Dylan Hong: Project Manager, Software Developper
Katrine Tsoris: Artistic Director / UX, UI
Julia Rosenberg: Human Factors Researcher
Garett Dickson: Software Developper
Sponsor: https://www.ptc.com/en/
What
Transforming Learning with an Augmented Reality Approach
I had the opportunity to contribute to a pioneering project aimed at revolutionizing education through augmented reality (AR). Our mission was to develop an interactive AR experience designed to teach the human skeletal system to third and fourth-grade students. By merging education and technology, we sought to create an immersive and enjoyable learning journey.
Why
Innovating Education and Fostering Hands-on Learning
The traditional classroom setting often struggles to engage young learners effectively. Our project's purpose was to bridge this gap by crafting an AR experience that would not only teach but also captivate. By translating complex anatomical concepts into a tangible and interactive format, we aimed to enhance students' understanding while making the learning process enjoyable. The goal was to turn an otherwise abstract subject into a hands-on adventure.
Process
Guided by Research, Powered by Vuforia Studio
Conceptualization and Design: We began by conceptualizing the user experience and learning objectives. Our team crafted unique art assets that would facilitate visualizing the skeletal system in both 2D and 3D dimensions.
Pedagogical Foundation: Drawing from the latest research on integrating AR into educational settings, we developed guiding principles to ensure that our AR experience aligned with effective teaching methods. Our focus was on interactivity, engagement, and a balance between entertainment and education.
Development with Vuforia Studio: Leveraging the capabilities of Vuforia Studio, we embarked on the technical implementation of our project. This platform allowed us to create seamless interactions and compelling animations to enhance the learning journey.
User Interface Modes: The heart of our project lay in its dual-mode user interface. In the Learning Mode, students could explore and familiarize themselves with the skeletal system through interactive 3D models. The Quiz Mode transformed learning into a game, challenging students to apply their newfound knowledge in a findability-based testing experience.
Takeaway
Empowering Learning through Innovation
The result of our endeavors was an AR-powered learning experience that transcended traditional educational methods. By seamlessly blending technology with education, we created a tool that made the human skeletal system tangible, memorable, and enjoyable for third and fourth-grade students. Our project underscored the significance of incorporating research-backed strategies into design and development to achieve impactful outcomes.
As I reflect on this project, I carry forward the knowledge that innovation holds the potential to reshape the educational landscape, offering learners new perspectives and engaging avenues for exploration. This experience reinforced the importance of bridging creativity and pedagogy to foster meaningful learning experiences that leave a lasting impact.